Discovering the Beauty of Bora Bora: A Travel Guide and Personal Experience
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Top Places and Things To Do in Bora Bora - Travel Guide
Introduction:
Bora Bora is a paradise on earth, with a towering dormant volcano and a surrounding reef that offers protection from the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Its lagoon is home to some of the world's clearest water, filled with diverse marine life. Bora Bora has a rich history, first settled by Polynesians in the third century and later discovered by European explorers in the 1700s. This article is a travel guide that highlights the top things to do in Bora Bora, as well as a personal experience of the island.
- Getting to Bora Bora:
We flew into Tahiti and then took a short 50-minute flight to Bora Bora. The airport is located on Onamoto Island, which is a small island on the reef. To get to the mainland or the resorts, we took a ferry. There are luxurious resorts on the motus that surround Bora Bora, but if you're looking for a more affordable option, there are some luxurious resorts located on the mainland, such as the Intercontinental Lake Moana.
- Accommodation:
There are various options for accommodation in Bora Bora, including luxurious resorts on the Motus, resorts on the mainland, and Airbnb rentals. We opted for an Airbnb for the first couple of nights, which cost us between one to five hundred dollars per night.
- Transportation:
To explore the island, you can rent a car or scooter. We rented a car from Avis, which allowed us to tour the entire mainland in about an hour. We were amazed by the island's beauty and infrastructure
- Top Places to Visit:
Bora Bora offers a plethora of breathtaking locations, including Matira Beach, the largest public beach on the mainland with white sand and clear ocean water. Mount Otemanu is a dwarf volcano that towers over Bora Bora, offering a powerful peak that changes its appearance from different parts of the island. Vaitape, the largest city on Bora Bora, is the perfect place to explore, eat, and shop. Ponte Terre, the most southwestern point on the island, offers a perfect spot for snorkeling and exploring the coral reefs. The aquarium, located behind a small island in the southern lagoon, is a famous snorkeling spot, full of coral and wildlife.
- Personal Experience:
We stayed on a sailboat for the last few nights and sailed around Bora Bora's lagoon. We witnessed the most stunning sunsets and experienced Bora Bora from different angles. We docked in the southwest of the lagoon, where we found a sandbar that created a perfect curve in the water, offering a view of different shades of blue. We also snorkeled with sharks and rays and explored the coral reefs.
What are some popular activities to do in Bora Bora?- Snorkeling: Bora Bora's lagoon is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish. Snorkeling is a popular activity in Bora Bora, and there are many great snorkeling spots around the island.
- Scuba diving: For those who want to explore deeper waters, scuba diving is also a popular activity in Bora Bora. There are many dive sites around the island, including coral gardens, canyons, and shipwrecks.
- Island tours: Bora Bora has a lot to offer, and island tours are a great way to see the island's natural beauty and learn about its history and culture. You can take a guided tour or rent a car and explore on your own.
- Jet skiing: Jet skiing is a fun and exciting way to explore Bora Bora's lagoon. You can rent jet skis and explore the crystal-clear waters at your own pace.
- Parasailing: Parasailing is another popular activity in Bora Bora. You can fly high above the lagoon and enjoy breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings.
- Sunset cruises: Bora Bora is known for its stunning sunsets, and a sunset cruise is a great way to experience them. You can take a boat tour and enjoy the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun sets over the lagoon.
- Cultural experiences: Bora Bora is rich in Polynesian culture, and there are many opportunities to learn about it through cultural experiences such as dance performances, island feasts, and traditional handicraft demonstrations.
- Relaxation: Bora Bora is also a great place to simply relax and unwind. You can lounge on the beach, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply soak up the island's laid-back atmosphere.
What are some good sunset cruise options in Bora Bora?ADVERTISEMENT
- Bora Bora Romantic Sunset Cruise: This private cruise is designed for couples and offers a romantic and intimate experience. You'll set sail on a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe and enjoy champagne and canapes while watching the sunset over the lagoon.
- Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Bora Bora Cruises: This group cruise departs from Vaitape and takes you on a tour of Bora Bora's lagoon. You'll enjoy stunning views of the island and its surroundings while sipping on a complimentary cocktail.
- Sunset Cruise with Moana Adventure Tours: This private tour takes you on a luxury catamaran through the lagoon, followed by a stop at a secluded beach for a romantic dinner. You'll enjoy a three-course meal and complimentary drinks while watching the sunset over the water.
- Sunset Cruise with Pure Snorkeling by Reef Discovery: This group cruise takes you to some of Bora Bora's best snorkeling spots, followed by a beautiful sunset over the lagoon. You'll enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks while watching the sunset.
- Sunset Cruise with La Plage Private Beach Resort: This private cruise takes you on a tour of Bora Bora's lagoon, followed by a stop at La Plage Private Beach Resort for a romantic dinner on the beach. You'll enjoy a four-course meal and a bottle of wine while watching the sunset over the water.
What's the price range for these sunset cruises?
The price range for sunset cruises in Bora Bora can vary depending on the type of cruise, the size of the group, and the level of luxury or exclusivity.ADVERTISEMENT
Private sunset cruises tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from around $500 to $1500 or more depending on the type of boat and the level of amenities. Group sunset cruises are generally less expensive, with prices ranging from around $75 to $200 per person.
It's worth noting that some sunset cruises may include additional costs, such as transportation to and from your hotel or resort, meals and drinks, snorkeling equipment, or other activities. Be sure to check what's included in the price and factor in any additional costs when comparing different options.
It's also a good idea to book your sunset cruise in advance to ensure availability and to take advantage of any early booking discounts or promotions that may be available.
We flew into Tahiti and then took a short 50-minute flight to Bora Bora. The airport is located on Onamoto Island, which is a small island on the reef. To get to the mainland or the resorts, we took a ferry. There are luxurious resorts on the motus that surround Bora Bora, but if you're looking for a more affordable option, there are some luxurious resorts located on the mainland, such as the Intercontinental Lake Moana.
There are various options for accommodation in Bora Bora, including luxurious resorts on the Motus, resorts on the mainland, and Airbnb rentals. We opted for an Airbnb for the first couple of nights, which cost us between one to five hundred dollars per night.
To explore the island, you can rent a car or scooter. We rented a car from Avis, which allowed us to tour the entire mainland in about an hour. We were amazed by the island's beauty and infrastructure
Bora Bora offers a plethora of breathtaking locations, including Matira Beach, the largest public beach on the mainland with white sand and clear ocean water. Mount Otemanu is a dwarf volcano that towers over Bora Bora, offering a powerful peak that changes its appearance from different parts of the island. Vaitape, the largest city on Bora Bora, is the perfect place to explore, eat, and shop. Ponte Terre, the most southwestern point on the island, offers a perfect spot for snorkeling and exploring the coral reefs. The aquarium, located behind a small island in the southern lagoon, is a famous snorkeling spot, full of coral and wildlife.
We stayed on a sailboat for the last few nights and sailed around Bora Bora's lagoon. We witnessed the most stunning sunsets and experienced Bora Bora from different angles. We docked in the southwest of the lagoon, where we found a sandbar that created a perfect curve in the water, offering a view of different shades of blue. We also snorkeled with sharks and rays and explored the coral reefs.
What are some popular activities to do in Bora Bora?
- Snorkeling: Bora Bora's lagoon is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish. Snorkeling is a popular activity in Bora Bora, and there are many great snorkeling spots around the island.
- Scuba diving: For those who want to explore deeper waters, scuba diving is also a popular activity in Bora Bora. There are many dive sites around the island, including coral gardens, canyons, and shipwrecks.
- Island tours: Bora Bora has a lot to offer, and island tours are a great way to see the island's natural beauty and learn about its history and culture. You can take a guided tour or rent a car and explore on your own.
- Jet skiing: Jet skiing is a fun and exciting way to explore Bora Bora's lagoon. You can rent jet skis and explore the crystal-clear waters at your own pace.
- Parasailing: Parasailing is another popular activity in Bora Bora. You can fly high above the lagoon and enjoy breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings.
- Sunset cruises: Bora Bora is known for its stunning sunsets, and a sunset cruise is a great way to experience them. You can take a boat tour and enjoy the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun sets over the lagoon.
- Cultural experiences: Bora Bora is rich in Polynesian culture, and there are many opportunities to learn about it through cultural experiences such as dance performances, island feasts, and traditional handicraft demonstrations.
- Relaxation: Bora Bora is also a great place to simply relax and unwind. You can lounge on the beach, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply soak up the island's laid-back atmosphere.
What are some good sunset cruise options in Bora Bora?
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- Bora Bora Romantic Sunset Cruise: This private cruise is designed for couples and offers a romantic and intimate experience. You'll set sail on a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe and enjoy champagne and canapes while watching the sunset over the lagoon.
- Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Bora Bora Cruises: This group cruise departs from Vaitape and takes you on a tour of Bora Bora's lagoon. You'll enjoy stunning views of the island and its surroundings while sipping on a complimentary cocktail.
- Sunset Cruise with Moana Adventure Tours: This private tour takes you on a luxury catamaran through the lagoon, followed by a stop at a secluded beach for a romantic dinner. You'll enjoy a three-course meal and complimentary drinks while watching the sunset over the water.
- Sunset Cruise with Pure Snorkeling by Reef Discovery: This group cruise takes you to some of Bora Bora's best snorkeling spots, followed by a beautiful sunset over the lagoon. You'll enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks while watching the sunset.
- Sunset Cruise with La Plage Private Beach Resort: This private cruise takes you on a tour of Bora Bora's lagoon, followed by a stop at La Plage Private Beach Resort for a romantic dinner on the beach. You'll enjoy a four-course meal and a bottle of wine while watching the sunset over the water.
What's the price range for these sunset cruises?
The price range for sunset cruises in Bora Bora can vary depending on the type of cruise, the size of the group, and the level of luxury or exclusivity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Private sunset cruises tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from around $500 to $1500 or more depending on the type of boat and the level of amenities. Group sunset cruises are generally less expensive, with prices ranging from around $75 to $200 per person.
It's worth noting that some sunset cruises may include additional costs, such as transportation to and from your hotel or resort, meals and drinks, snorkeling equipment, or other activities. Be sure to check what's included in the price and factor in any additional costs when comparing different options.
It's also a good idea to book your sunset cruise in advance to ensure availability and to take advantage of any early booking discounts or promotions that may be available.
Conclusion:
Bora Bora is a breathtaking island that far exceeded our expectations. With its pristine beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life, it is no wonder why it is one of the most famous and sought-after islands in the world. While we were only there for four days, we recommend staying for at least a week to fully experience all that Bora Bora has to offer. From luxurious resorts to affordable accommodations, Bora Bora caters to all kinds of travelers. We hope this travel guide and personal experience inspire you to visit this paradise on earth and make unforgettable memories.
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